All documents convert to word docs instead of PDF like i need them to

Whenever Word opens a PDF, a conversion occurs, because PDF isn't a native file format in Word. 

As Charles says, the problem seems to be that PDFs are opening in Word when you should really have them open in some other application. You can install Adobe Acrobat Reader (= the free viewer) and set it as the default for PDFs in your operating system.

PDF is not really a Word format. It is an Adobe Acrobat format.

If pdf files are opening in Word rather than a pdf reader you need to set something like Adobe Reader (free) or Adobe Acrobat (paid) as the default to open those files.

1. Manually save as PDF 
Click “File” → “Save As” 
Select “PDF (*.pdf)” in the file type 
Check the box “Automatically convert format when saving” (if any) 
2. Set the default save format 
File → Options → Save 
Select ‘PDF’ in the “Save File in this Format” 
Click OK to save the settings 
3. Quickly export PDF 
Use shortcut key: F12 → select PDF Format 
or use the “Export to PDF” button on the Quick Access Toolbar 
4. Advanced Settings (if necessary) 
Reset File Associations 
Right-click on any PDF file → Open → Select Word 
Check the box “Always use this application to open .pdf files” 
5. Check Add-ons 
File → Options → Add-ons 
Disable all PDF-related add-ons and re-enable them 
6. If the problem still exists, you may have Office installation problems, it is recommended that a quick fix: 
Control Panel → Programs and Features → Right click Microsoft Office → Change → Quick Repair